. >> it's time romney and ryan and the republican congress take a pledge to the middle class people saying we're going to level the playing field. >> reporter: a day after a spirited vice-presidential debate. >> with all due respect that's a bunch malarkey. >> watch out, middle class, the tax bill is coming to you. >> reporter: both candidates headed back to the campaign trail. >> i feel great. >> reporter: paul ryan stopped for breakfast with his family before teaming up with mitt romney in ohio. >> there was one person on the stage with thoughtfulness who was respectful -- >> yeah! >> --who was steady and poised. >> yeah! >> reporter: the obama campaign said the vice president walked away with the win. but friday, the white house had to defend his answer about the deadly attack in benghazi, libya. >> we weren't told they want more security. >> reporter: former security officials testified this week that they had asked for more manpower. >> he is doubling down on denial. we need to understand what happened. >> reporter: white house officials defended the president. -- white house official